Yes, I know. I haven't posted anything for a while.Here's the story, my excuse as it were.  I've been busy. No, I did not get a job. My dear friend and I are working on a project.  It is something new for me. I'm not willing at this point to say what it is but if it turns out ok, I might let you know what the project is. I have really enjoyed working on it, learning something new, recharging my batteries. The whole Christmas season was just very pleasant. We cut back on the number of gift purchases so there is a lot less pressure/stress involved with that.  I've increased my baking and have given a lot of cookies and fudge and other goodies away.  I've really enjoyed that. Two Christmas gifts (from others to us) involved donations to Heifer International and St Jude's Children's Research Hospital .  Those were wonderful gifts! Our pastor led an Advent Bible Study, focusing on the "support people" as I call them, the shepherds, Joseph, the wi...

Revelation 12:10 When I heard a loud voice in heaven say:    "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God,       and the authority of his Christ.    For the accuser of our brothers,       who accuses them before our God day and night,       has been hurled down." From Darkness There will be a day when we will no longer fight with guilt and fear, trials and temptations.  Satan will no longer be able to make us feel bad, play on our weaknesses, smile at our losses.  There will be a time when the accuser, satan and his minions, will be gone.  "Hurled down" says the author of Revelation. After all this turmoil that we experience every day, sometimes within ourselves and sometimes on the outside, this will end. Famines, wars, bug and mouse infestations, incest, murder, colds, stubbing our toes, suffering indigestion a...

I know that is a "duh" title but that's what comes to mind.  Two of today's scripture readings are John 20:19-31 and Revelation 1:4-8 .  Today, I noticed for the first time, that this passage in John is AFTER Jesus has been savagely crucified and then resurrected.  He says in verse 23: "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven. "  If you remember, Luke 23:33 - 35 records where Jesus forgives those who were crucifying him while they were doing it, while he was dying a torturous death. (Luke 23:34) Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  Jesus has provided an example of forgiveness that we should follow.  The next reading is Revelation.  Look at verse 7:  Look, he is coming with the clouds,       and every eye will see him,    even those who pierced him;       and all...